Starting in January 2005,
adult adoptees over the age of 18 will be able to buy their original
birth record simply by asking and paying the same fee that the
non-adopted population pays.
There is a contact preference form that birth mothers can submit if the
don't want contact and we will be encouraging adoptees to honor those
requests.

There is more work to be done, but this is a great
breakthrough for adoptees born in NH!

Old Law
As of 1-1-97 New law allows anyone over the age of 21 to
contact the agency that handled the adoption to act as an
intermediary in finding birthparents. Birthparents may also
do this looking for Adoptees as long as the adoptee is over
21. Be sure to ask about this when you contact the state.
The law says that identifying information must be shared with
an adult adoptee (age 21) if the birth parent has signed a waiver
release form. Information will not be released unless
such a form is in the file with the agency and then the agency
must attempt to contact the birth parent to see what their
current wishes are regarding contact. Non-id information is
available to adult adoptees and adoptive parents.

If the adoptee is under 21 years of age, there is still something you
can do. The birth parent can and should update the medical history with
the agency that handled the adoption. This should include information
about your mother and grandmother etc, if known. Adoptees can request
medical data at any time. Few agencies charge a fee for this service.
The major advantage is the demonstration of concern about the adoptee.
Also, when the adoptee does make an inquiry at age 21, he/she will be
told a birth parent has made an inquiry. This will reassure him/her
that you do want to know more and possibly have a reunion. Also,
adoptees and birth parents can submit a letter authorizing the agency
to release your identifying information at the appropriate time. This
will save time when he/she asks.

If you need help with a
search in NH or VT, please feel free to contact Larry Maurice, a
professional volunteer searcher, for free advice.